Technologies of easy travel give us wings; they annihilate the toil and dust of pilgrimage; they spiritualize travel! Transition being so facile, what can be any man's inducement to tarry in one spot? Why, therefore, should he build a more cumbrous habitation than can readily be carried off with him? Why should he make himself a prisoner for life in brick, and stone, and old worm-eaten timber, when he may just as easily dwell, in one sense, nowhere,-in a better sense, wherever the fit and beautiful shall offer him a home?
In his work, Nathaniel Hawthorne emphasizes the transformative power of travel technologies that enhance our experiences, making them more enjoyable and meaningful. He suggests that these advancements eliminate the physical burdens traditionally associated with travel, leading to a more spiritual and liberated approach. As travel becomes easier, one might question the rationale behind settling down permanently in one place.
Hawthorne prompts readers to consider the nature of home and habitation. Rather than confining oneself to a permanent structure, he advocates for a more flexible existence, appreciating the beauty and opportunities that different places offer. In this view, individuals should embrace the idea of being transient, allowing them to find comfort and inspiration wherever they may go, rather than being trapped by physical possessions and traditional notions of home.
